Skydiver dies after horrific accident in Queensland: ‘Life doesn’t feel the same without you’
- Douglas Ball, 52, wounded near Mackay
- On April 16, he was rushed to hospital
- He died of his injuries this week
A skydiving instructor has tragically died after being seriously injured during a jump in Central Queensland.
Douglas Ball, 52, was on a solo dive at Laguna Quays, near Mackay, on April 16 when he crashed into the ground during landing.
He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital around 2:10 p.m. on Sunday for emergency treatment in intensive care.
“Unfortunately something went wrong near the ground and he suffered a heavy blow there,” said Detective Inspector Andrew Godbold last week.
“We understand his parachute deployed, but he just hit the ground pretty hard.”
Douglas Ball, 52, (pictured) tragically passed away a week after being seriously injured in a jump near Mackay
Friends have flocked online to pay tribute to Mr. Ball, who was an accomplished skydiver
He was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane on April 17, but died of his injuries six days later.
Mr Ball was an experienced diver and worked as an instructor in several places including the Gold Coast and Whitsundays.
Tributes have poured in online as the Queensland skydiving community mourns the death of their beloved member.
“You mean so much to all of us… You will be in our hearts forever,” said a friend.
Life doesn’t feel the same without you.
“Tear you damn wonderful human being, I’m going to miss you.”
The Australian Parachute Federation is investigating the cause of the accident.
Mr Ball was flown to Mackay Base Hospital and placed in intensive care. He was later transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane
